Pad Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Stir Fry)

Pad Woon Sen is a delightful Thai dish that beautifully combines the delicate texture of glass noodles with a medley of fresh vegetables and savory proteins. This stir fry is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and makes for a fantastic meal any day of the week. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a vibrant dish to impress your friends, Pad Woon Sen has got you covered.

Why It’s My Go-To

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a stir fry that comes together in just one pan. Pad Woon Sen is my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something healthy, delicious, and easy to whip up. The glass noodles soak up all the flavors from the sauce and the vegetables add a satisfying crunch. Plus, it’s a great way to use up whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s versatile, quick, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

What We’re Using

To make this amazing Pad Woon Sen, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil for cooking
• 6 ounces dried glass noodles (mung bean, cellophane, or bean thread noodles)
• 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cups sliced cabbage
• 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and sliced into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar (may substitute with light brown)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (may substitute with black pepper)
• 1/2 – 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Chopped green onions for garnish
• Sliced chilies or chili sauce for serving (optional)

Equipment & Tools

For this recipe, you will need the following tools:

• Large skillet or wok – for even cooking and tossing ingredients.
• Mixing bowls – to marinate the chicken and mix the sauce.
• Wooden spatula – for stirring and tossing the ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient amounts.

Stepwise Method: Pad Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Stir Fry)

Step 1: Prepare the Glass Noodles

Start by soaking the dried glass noodles in warm water for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable. Once ready, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of reduced sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of peanut or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the sliced onion, carrots, and cabbage. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.

Step 5: Add Aromatics

Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with the soaked glass noodles, tomatoes, red bell pepper, and the whisked eggs. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 7: Create the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, reduced sodium soy sauce, dark brown sugar, fish sauce, rice vinegar, water, molasses, dried basil, ground coriander, ground white pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce over the stir-fry and toss everything to coat evenly.

Step 8: Cook Until Perfect

Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and the flavors to meld together.

Step 9: Serve & Garnish

Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with chopped green onions and optional sliced chilies or chili sauce for extra heat. Enjoy your delicious Pad Woon Sen!

Seasonal Adaptations

Feel free to adapt this recipe based on seasonal vegetables or personal preferences:

• Spring: Add snap peas or asparagus for a fresh crunch.
• Summer: Incorporate zucchini or bell peppers for a vibrant touch.
• Fall: Use mushrooms or butternut squash for added warmth.
• Winter: Broccoli or bok choy can add a nice texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If the noodles are too sticky, ensure they are drained well after soaking and add a little oil while stir-frying.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
• If you find the dish too salty, add a bit more sugar or water to balance the flavors.

Save It for Later

Pad Woon Sen makes excellent leftovers! Here are a few tips for storage:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to avoid drying out.
• This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.

Popular Questions

Can I use different proteins in Pad Woon Sen?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein choice.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you need a substitute, you can use hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar for a similar flavor profile.

How do I make Pad Woon Sen vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with tofu and omit the oyster sauce and fish sauce. Use additional soy sauce or a vegetarian stir-fry sauce instead.

What are glass noodles made of?

Glass noodles are typically made from mung bean starch, which gives them a translucent appearance and chewy texture. They are naturally gluten-free and perfect for various dishes.

If you enjoyed Pad Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Stir Fry), you might also love these recipes:

That’s a Wrap

In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a vibrant and delicious Pad Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Stir Fry) that showcases the wonderful flavors of Thai cuisine. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and the unique texture of glass noodles, this dish truly has it all.

So next time you’re in the mood for something quick yet satisfying, remember this recipe. It’s a fantastic way to bring the taste of Thailand to your kitchen. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Pad Woon Sen!